At the simplest level, a network is nothing more than a way to get computers to communicate with each other or, in other words, share data. To set one up, all you need is more than one computer, hardware and software that work together to control the flow of data and a path for that data to follow (like a wireless signal). If you then connect the network to your dial-up, cable or DSL modem, you enable simultaneous internet access for all the computers in your home network, as well as exciting possibilities like internet TV (IP-TV) and internet telephony (VoIP).

We’ll focus here on networking with a broadband DSL connection, because that’s fast and easy, most people have it and it lets you enjoy all the different kinds of online content available